Hong Kong burns victim of Taiwan dust party explosion returns to city for treatment
City teenager who was burned in water park tragedy with three friends ‘lucky’ to have escaped serious injury, her mother says
A Hong Kong girl who was burned when coloured powder sprayed on partygoers at an amusement park in Taiwan exploded in a fireball returned to the city yesterday for treatment.
Lee Yi-lam, 18, who suffered burns to about 7 per cent of her body, was in a stable condition last night in Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam.
She was among the casualties from the flash fire that injured nearly 500 people at a water park in New Taipei City on Saturday. A 20-year-old Taiwanese woman yesterday became the first victim to die from her injuries.
Doctors expressed optimism about Yi-lam's recovery, her parents said. "She is indeed lucky. Her friends' injuries are much more serious," her mother said.
The teenager was on a graduation tour with three friends in Taiwan when they joined the ill-fated party at the Formosa Fun Coast water park.
Her friend, Yip Kei-tung, 18, whose Taiwanese doctors said had suffered burns on 40 per cent of her body, was last night expected to be transferred to Shanghai. The Yip family was said to know some experts there.
WATCH: Spectator has front-seat view of horrific moment coloured powder ignited blaze (WARNING - disturbing scenes)
The two other friends - Chow Wing-shan and Chan Hiu-yin - were still in hospital in Taiwan and were said to be in stable condition. Another Hong Kong victim, Mok Chi-ching, a student in Taiwan, remained in hospital.
Dr Jimmy Chan Yu-wai, chief of the University of Hong Kong's division of plastic and reconstructive surgery, said Yi-lam received second-degree burns to about 7 per cent of her body.
"It [will take] at least three to four weeks for her to recover," Chan said.
"It would be better for Hong Kong patients to come back as there is support from family. Manpower and resources in Taiwan are very tight now."
Chan said if the vital signs were stable, such as blood pressure, functioning of the lungs and heart, patients might be able to return to the city for treatment.
In Taiwan, 20-year-old Li Pei-yun, who suffered burns on 90 per cent of her body, died in a Taichung hospital yesterday, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported. Her younger brother, 12, was reportedly still fighting for his life and remained in intensive care in a Taipei hospital.
Taiwanese investigators are looking at the possibility a lit cigarette or electric spark triggered the explosion, burning 498 people. At least 202 were still in serious condition. In the wake of the explosion, Taiwanese authorities have banned public activities that use the powder.
In Hong Kong, the Fire Services Department has asked the organiser of an event called "Life in Colour" - slated for July 25 at AsiaWorld-Expo on Lantau - for details about its use of coloured spray. The department said it would test the material before deciding whether to allow a licence.
WATCH: Amateur video shows terrifying moments during dust explosion (WARNING - disturbing scenes)
A spokesman for organiser Sigma Production said the colour paint to be used was different from that used in Taiwan. "It is water-based. We shall also use anti-slip and fireproof carpets."
A spokesman for AsiaWorld-Expo, said: "Events will not be held unless all safety precautions are in place." The venue will not process the application for December's Colour Run - a 5km race in which participants are covered with coloured powder - until organisers receive a government permit.
Additional reporting by Lai Ying-Kit
